GRAHAM has been appointed to deliver stage two of the major Didcot and surrounding area infrastructure scheme (HIF1), which aims to tackle traffic congestion, improve travel times, and enhance connectivity in the region. The key elements of the GRAHAM project include the design of the Clifton Hampden Bypass and the
Henry Brothers has successfully completed the construction of an £11 million welfare hub at the Army Training Centre Pirbright in Surrey, England. The Soldiers’ Centre at Alexander Barracks brings existing retail and wellbeing services across the site into a single location, enhancing the training experience for recruits while modernising the
Salford City Council has approved plans for the construction of 25 new affordable homes across two sites in the city. The developments, which will be owned and managed by Dérive, the council’s wholly-owned housing company, will provide much-needed supported accommodation for young people who are homeless or at risk of
Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and ECF, a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse, have selected Vinci as the preferred contractor for Phase 1 of Stockport 8, a £350 million residential development west of Stockport town centre. The decision follows a competitive collaborative dialogue tender process,
Wilten Construction has been awarded a second Design and Build contract at Gateway 14 by client Gateway 14 Ltd and Jaynic. The project involves the development of a state-of-the-art, three-storey Skills and Innovation Centre spanning 35,000 sq ft in the heart of Gateway 14. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent standards,
The regeneration of Hartlepool waterfront has reached a significant milestone with a £631,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support the development phase of the ‘Tides of Change’ project, aimed at transforming the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the historic paddle steamer, Wingfield
Kier has been selected by Sheffield City Council to restore the Grade II listed Adelphi Cinema, bringing the historic building back into public use as a mixed-use cultural space. Originally opened in 1920, the Adelphi Cinema was a key community hub in Attercliffe, serving as a venue for the latest
Approval has been granted to transform Hereford’s historic Shirehall into a new community space, featuring a state-of-the-art library and learning centre. Full planning permission and listed building consent were granted at the Planning and Regulatory Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 28, paving the way for the project to begin. The
Construction of Blackpool’s new town centre Multiversity campus for Blackpool & The Fylde College is expected to begin later this year, following the approval of compulsory purchase powers by an independent planning inspector. The state-of-the-art Multiversity campus aims to welcome up to 3,000 students and staff upon its anticipated opening
Kirklees Council has approved funding for the second phase of its ambitious Huddersfield town centre regeneration programme, Our Cultural Heart. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on January 21, marking another milestone in the transformation of the town’s cultural and leisure offerings. Phase one of the project is
GRAHAM has been appointed to deliver stage two of the major Didcot and surrounding area infrastructure scheme (HIF1), which aims to tackle traffic congestion, improve travel times, and enhance connectivity in the region. The key elements of the GRAHAM project include the design of the Clifton Hampden Bypass and the Didcot to Culham River Crossing. The scheme is part of a broader effort to address growing traffic issues and support the economic development of the Science Vale area by facilitating smoother transportation links and creating new jobs. Detailed design work is currently underway, with construction expected to begin in early 2026. The project, which has received strong backing due to its potential to improve local infrastructure, is designed to meet the demands of a rapidly developing region. Andrew Henry, GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “GRAHAM has been working closely with Oxfordshire County Council and key stakeholders since April 2023 through Early Contractor Involvement (ECI). “This collaborative approach has enabled us to develop the detailed design for these significant infrastructure projects while actively engaging with third-party stakeholders such as Thames Water and Openreach to coordinate necessary utility diversions”. “As we deliver this transformative project, we will focus on working closely with the local community to create a lasting impact that benefits everyone.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Henry Brothers has successfully completed the construction of an £11 million welfare hub at the Army Training Centre Pirbright in Surrey, England. The Soldiers’ Centre at Alexander Barracks brings existing retail and wellbeing services across the site into a single location, enhancing the training experience for recruits while modernising the facility. The building’s construction incorporates a Glulam structural frame and photovoltaic panels for on-site renewable energy generation and is expected to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating under the Defence Related Environmental Assessment Methodology (DREAM). The investment was joint-funded by the British Army and the Army Central Fund (ACF) which provided a £7m grant – the single biggest donation ever made by the ACF. David Henry, Managing Director at Henry Brothers, said: “With extensive experience in the defence sector, Henry Brothers is delighted to have completed The Soldiers’ Centre – a facility that reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional builds for our clients. “In line with our sustainable values, The Soldiers’ Centre is fit for future purpose, built with eco-friendly construction methods that contribute to the Government’s commitment to Net Zero. “We are pleased to further build on our existing relationship with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, helping it make a significant and positive contribution to the experience of recruits as they embark on their Army careers.” Measuring approximately 2000m2 over two storeys, The Soldiers’ Centre design was delivered by CPMG Architects and supports The Soldier Academy, which delivers the 13-week Basic Training course to every soldier. Chris White, Director at CPMG Architects, said: “The Soldiers’ Centre is a result of the excellent relationship between CPMG and Henry Brothers, as well as our combined experience in the UK defence industry. We’re proud to demonstrate that affordable sustainability is possible, without comprising on quality design and delivery. “It is a significant project, delivered from our London studio, and will undoubtedly be appreciated by the new Army recruits who can now access retail and wellbeing services under one roof.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Salford City Council has approved plans for the construction of 25 new affordable homes across two sites in the city. The developments, which will be owned and managed by Dérive, the council’s wholly-owned housing company, will provide much-needed supported accommodation for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The first development, located on Bridgewater Street in Little Hulton, will comprise 12 homes, including three two-bedroom and four three-bedroom family houses, and eight one-bedroom apartments specifically designed for young people aged 18 to 25. The second development, located on Tully Street South in Higher Broughton, will consist of ten self-contained apartments for young people experiencing homelessness. “These developments are part of our commitment to increasing the number of good quality, affordable homes, with support for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness,” said Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Anti-Poverty at Salford City Council. “The new, spacious low energy apartments will help tackle youth homelessness and the under-provision of young persons supported accommodation in the city.” The Tully Street South development will be delivered under the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP), a government-led initiative aimed at tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. “There is real need for schemes such as these in our city, with over 5,000 households on the city’s housing register and over 6,000 homeless presentations made to the council in 2023-24,” said Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett. “It’s vital we continue to work to provide truly affordable housing in our city. Housing is so important for the wellbeing of everyone. Without a stable, secure, affordable place to live everything else suffers, from health to education to employment prospects.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) and ECF, a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse, have selected Vinci as the preferred contractor for Phase 1 of Stockport 8, a £350 million residential development west of Stockport town centre. The decision follows a competitive collaborative dialogue tender process, with Vinci emerging as the successful candidate. Vinci will now work alongside the project team on design development, and pending planning approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2026 with the demolition of the existing bus depot. Stockport 8, situated on land flanking King Street West and adjacent to the iconic railway viaduct, is one of the largest developments within the 130-acre Town Centre West masterplan. The project aims to seamlessly reconnect the area with the town centre, fostering a walkable and integrated community beneath the railway arches. At the core of Stockport MDC’s vision to transform Stockport Town Centre West into the UK’s most sustainable and liveable urban hub, the development will feature a high-quality, green neighbourhood catering to a range of housing needs. The ambitious plans, shaped through an extensive two-stage consultation process that began in January 2024, outline the creation of up to 1,300 energy-efficient homes designed for diverse demographics. The project will integrate: Stockport 8 forms a key part of a broader £1 billion investment currently reshaping Stockport town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Wilten Construction has been awarded a second Design and Build contract at Gateway 14 by client Gateway 14 Ltd and Jaynic. The project involves the development of a state-of-the-art, three-storey Skills and Innovation Centre spanning 35,000 sq ft in the heart of Gateway 14. Designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent standards, the centre will focus on fostering emerging industries linked to green and digital skills, supporting high-growth start-ups, creating jobs, and stimulating the local economy. The 50-week construction programme is set to commence this month, running in parallel with the completion of Wilten Construction’s initial contract at Plot 1600 for Bauder. The Skills and Innovation Centre will feature: Upon completion, the facility will serve as a dynamic mixed-use hub attracting diverse business users and young professionals. Key benefits of the centre include: Naim Basha Director / Co-Founder Wilten Construction said: “Wilten is delighted to have been appointed for the second time by Gateway 14 and Jaynic for the Design and Build Contract for the Skills and Innovation Centre at Gateway 14, delivering our Wilten promise and maintaining a repeat business relationship. Having recently completed Space City Docks 3, 4, and 5 (Pioneer Park) at Leicester, and with an already established presence on site at Gateway 14, Wilten will add great value to this scheme. We look forward to undertaking this prestigious project that will have a positive impact on both the local economy and the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The regeneration of Hartlepool waterfront has reached a significant milestone with a £631,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support the development phase of the ‘Tides of Change’ project, aimed at transforming the visitor experience at the Museum of Hartlepool and the historic paddle steamer, Wingfield Castle. This investment will enable further development of plans to revitalise the two iconic attractions, making them a dynamic destination for both locals and tourists. The project will tell the story of Hartlepool in a new, engaging way, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility. Pending additional funding, the transformation will involve upgraded exhibition spaces, improved entrances, enhanced access, interactive features, new community and learning spaces, and the restoration and reopening of the Wingfield Castle. The redevelopment will also complement the ongoing work at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool and the broader waterfront regeneration, which includes the construction of the Highlight active wellbeing hub. The Tides of Change development phase will also include a series of community activities, pilot projects, and consultation events designed to ensure the project meets the needs of local residents. These initiatives will offer hands-on opportunities for volunteers, including maritime skills training, walking tours of the area’s coastal ecology, a folklore music event, and educational programs for schoolchildren. If further funding is secured, the goal is to complete the transformation of both the Museum and Wingfield Castle by 2029. The project has also appointed award-winning LDN Architects to reimagine the visitor experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kier has been selected by Sheffield City Council to restore the Grade II listed Adelphi Cinema, bringing the historic building back into public use as a mixed-use cultural space. Originally opened in 1920, the Adelphi Cinema was a key community hub in Attercliffe, serving as a venue for the latest news, local events, and entertainment. The cinema operated for nearly 50 years, even surviving bomb damage during World War II, before closing in 1967. Since then, the building has had various uses, including as a bingo hall, a nightclub, and most recently, a storage facility before falling into disrepair. Sheffield City Council purchased the Adelphi Cinema site in March 2023 using Levelling Up funding, with plans to revitalise the space for leisure, arts, and music while preserving its historic character. Councillor Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: “This building holds a very special place in people’s heart in Attercliffe, and rightly so. It was once a focal point.” The Adelphi Cinema restoration is part of a broader regeneration effort in Attercliffe, which includes: Kier Places, appointed via the YORbuild construction framework, is now taking the first steps in transforming the building while retaining key original features, including its art-deco frontage. The initial phase of the project will prepare the site for major works, set to begin this spring. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Approval has been granted to transform Hereford’s historic Shirehall into a new community space, featuring a state-of-the-art library and learning centre. Full planning permission and listed building consent were granted at the Planning and Regulatory Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 28, paving the way for the project to begin. The initiative aims to create a modern, welcoming facility while preserving the rich heritage of the Shirehall. The initial phases of work for Hereford’s Shirehall will focus on ensuring the building is structurally sound, watertight, and safe for public use, while also repairing and maintaining its historic features. The main entrance will be redesigned into a spacious and inviting area with exhibition space, alongside improvements to enhance accessibility. The project will also include a full upgrade of heating, electrical, and fire safety systems, significantly improving efficiency and reducing running costs. The Assembly Hall will house the new library, offering ample space for visitors to read, browse collections, and participate in a variety of library events. Additional meeting rooms and flexible spaces will be developed to accommodate community activities and events. A new learning centre will provide enhanced facilities for education, digital literacy, cultural engagement, and wellbeing programs, ensuring broad benefits for the local community. The plans have been shaped through extensive consultations, workshops, and surveys conducted over several months. Public feedback from a consultation held late last year is currently being analysed and will help refine the final design to best meet the needs of future users. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of Blackpool’s new town centre Multiversity campus for Blackpool & The Fylde College is expected to begin later this year, following the approval of compulsory purchase powers by an independent planning inspector. The state-of-the-art Multiversity campus aims to welcome up to 3,000 students and staff upon its anticipated opening in late 2027. The decision was made by an independent inspector appointed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government after a two-week public inquiry at the end of last year. The inquiry included submissions from Blackpool Council, Blackpool & The Fylde College, local residents, and landowners. Over the past two years, Blackpool Council has been acquiring properties needed for the development, with over 80% of the required 72 properties already secured through negotiations. The inspector’s approval grants the council the authority to use compulsory purchase powers to obtain the remaining properties within the area bordered by Cookson Street, George Street, Grosvenor Street and Milbourne Street. Despite the legal backing, Blackpool Council will continue to negotiate compensation with property owners, while proceeding with the necessary steps to commence construction in the summer. Outline planning approval for the entire Multiversity site was granted in 2024, and a decision on a reserved matters planning application for the first phase is expected this spring. The planned 115,000 sq ft facility will feature five floors of educational space, offering over 70 courses and enhancing the college’s existing higher education provision. The campus will support a broad range of qualifications, including further education, higher education, and adult learning. Designed to be carbon neutral in operation, the building will incorporate solar panels on its roof and will be heated by sustainable air source heat pumps. A green roof terrace will provide a landscaped study and relaxation space for students. Beyond the first phase of the Multiversity campus, a second phase is being planned for future expansion. In the interim, the space will be used as a temporary car park. Planning consultants Avison Young, architects Hawkins\Brown, and advisors CBRE have been instrumental in shaping the project, while Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed as the main contractor under a pre-contract services agreement. The Multiversity campus is a key component of phase four of Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway regeneration project, which is bringing over 8,000 professionals and students into the area around Blackpool North train station. Recent developments in the area include the opening of a four-star 144-bedroom Holiday Inn hotel with a Marco Pierre White New York Italian restaurant in May and a new tram-train interchange in June. Additionally, a new Department for Work and Pensions office will open on King Street this spring, bringing over 3,000 government employees to the town centre. Plans are also progressing for a £45 million, 52,950 sq ft office on Talbot Road, expected to house over 1,000 employees, with a new multi-storey car park on Church Street in development. The land for the new Multiversity campus is being acquired with the support of a £9m Government grant, while construction funding includes a £40m investment from the UK Government secured in 2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Kirklees Council has approved funding for the second phase of its ambitious Huddersfield town centre regeneration programme, Our Cultural Heart. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on January 21, marking another milestone in the transformation of the town’s cultural and leisure offerings. Phase one of the project is already well underway, focusing on revitalising the former Queensgate Market. The space is being transformed into a vibrant community hub featuring a library, food hall, and a new public square designed for socialising and events. Plans for phase two, revealed earlier this year, aim to breathe new life into the historic four-storey former library building. One of Huddersfield’s most significant landmarks, it is set to become a state-of-the-art museum and art gallery. The plans include a 50-seat café with an outdoor terrace and a new extension designed to improve accessibility and connectivity with the surrounding outdoor space and the broader Our Cultural Heart development. Councillors approved the release of £5.413 million from the overall project budget to fund contractor procurement and detailed design for phase two. An additional £250,000 was allocated for a master plan study to explore future phases of the programme. This study will investigate how to deliver the remaining elements of Our Cultural Heart without requiring additional capital borrowing while ensuring the project’s overarching vision is maintained. The council also approved reallocating capital funding for specific services within the programme. This includes £371,000 to support the West Yorkshire Archive Service’s relocation to the new library and £50,000 for preparations for future events in the public square. The report accompanying the funding decision outlined service operating costs and the financial requirements for the interior design and functionality of the museum and gallery. While the Museum Service will seek external funding to cover the estimated £14.48 million cost, the council noted that funds might need to be reallocated from within the existing programme budget if external sources cannot be secured. Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “Our Cultural Heart is our most ambitious regeneration programme, when completed it will bring a new, community-centred arts and leisure offer to the town, providing cultural activities to enjoy during the day and into the evening. “It will play a significant role in making Huddersfield a family-friendly, prosperous town centre which provides exciting places to live, work or visit. “As with all large regeneration schemes, there are hurdles to jump and challenges to overcome, a worldwide pandemic and wars in other countries have of course made things even more complex. This has meant we’ve had to continually assess our finances and prioritise spend that will lead to the successful delivery of the first phases of the scheme, whilst still allowing for exciting new developments in the future. “Releasing the funds demonstrates our commitment to delivering something everyone can be proud of and doing that in a way that delivers real changes on the ground in the next few years. “Regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar. Our ambition is to give local people and visitors more reasons to spend time in the town centre. By increasing footfall, and in turn commercial opportunities, our plans will also benefit existing and future businesses from all sectors. Thriving businesses in turn provide employment opportunities for our communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
